Three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory

ABSTRACT

A three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an example of the present invention includes a memory cell array comprised of first and second blocks. The first block has a first cell unit which includes a memory cell to be programmed and a second cell unit which does not include a memory cell to be programmed, and programming is executed by applying a program potential or a transfer potential to word lines in the first block after the initial potential of channels of the memory cells in the first and second cell units is set to a plus potential. In the programming, the program potential and the transfer potential are not applied to word lines in the second block.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Ser. No. 14/994,203 filed Jan. 13, 2016,which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/191,172 filed Feb. 26, 2014(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,275,737 issued Mar. 1, 2016), which is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/738,633 filed Jan. 10, 2013 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,681,551 issued Mar. 25, 2014), which is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 13/336,122 filed Dec. 23, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,379,449 issued Feb. 19, 2013), which is a continuation of 12/953,690filed Nov. 24, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,102,711 issued Jan. 24, 2012),which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/407,094 filed Mar. 19, 2009(now U.S. Pat. No. 7,859,094 issued Dec. 28, 2010), and claims thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2008-112659 filed Apr. 23, 2008, the entire contents ofeach of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a three dimensional stacked nonvolatilesemiconductor memory.

2. Description of the Related Art

BiCS (Bit Cost Scalable) technology is known as a technology forsuppressing a bit cost of a semiconductor memory by increasing thecapacity thereof by a three dimensional structure (refer to, forexample, “Bit Cost Scalable Technology with Punch and Plug Process forUltra High Density Flash Memory” 2007 Symposium on VLSI TechnologyDigest of Technical Papers. p. 14).

A nonvolatile semiconductor memory to which the BiCS technology isapplied (hereinafter, called a BiCS memory) has a feature in that it notonly has a three dimensional structure but makes bit cost scalabilitypossible so that a bit cost can be reduced in proportion to an increaseof the number of stacked layers by devising a device structure and aprocess technology.

In, for example, a NAND flash memory to which the BiCS technology isapplied (hereinafter, called a BiCS-NAND flash memory), a memorycapacity, which greatly exceeds the limit of the memory capacity of aNAND flash memory having a two-dimensional structure, can be realized byincreasing the number of cells in a longitudinal direction whichcomprise a NAND column by increasing the number of stacked layers.

However, since the BiCS memory which is represented by a BiCS-NAND flashmemory has a unique device structure, there are many problems to besolved to practically use the BiCS memory.

A program disturb is exemplified as one of the problems.

The BiCS memory has such a feature that cell units are included in oneblock connected to one bit line. Further, the cell units cannot beselected at the same time from the viewpoint of a circuit operation.Accordingly, a non-selected cell unit which does not include a memorycell to be programmed exists in a selected block.

This problem does not occur in a flash memory having a two dimensionalstructure.

Therefore, program disturb must be examined to prevent a variation of athreshold voltage of a memory cell in a non-selected cell unit in aselected block in programming.

In particular, in the BiCS memory, since it is not necessary to apply aprogram potential to a cell unit in a non-selected block different fromthe flash memory having the two dimensional structure, it is notnecessary to examine program disturb to the cell unit in thenon-selected block. However, since the program potential is applied to anon-selected cell unit in a selected block, the BiCS memory has aspecial property in that program disturb occurs in the non-selected cellunit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory accordingto an aspect of the present invention comprises a semiconductorsubstrate, a memory cell array comprised of first and second blocksdisposed on the semiconductor substrate side by side in a firstdirection, and a first driver disposed on one end of the memory cellarray in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Each of the first and second blocks is comprised of at least threeconductive layers stacked on the semiconductor substrate by beinginsulated from each other, a bit line disposed on the at least threeconductive layers by being insulated therefrom, and columnarsemiconductors having lower ends connected to the semiconductorsubstrate and upper ends connected to the bit line and passing throughthe at least three conductive layers.

An uppermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is comprisedof first select gate lines extending in the second direction, alowermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is a secondselect gate line, remaining conductive layers excluding the uppermostlayer and the lowermost layer of the at least three conductive layersare a word line, and remaining conductive layers excluding the uppermostlayer of the at least three conductive layers have a plate shape whosewidth in the first direction is larger than the width in the firstdirection of the first select gate lines.

Select gate transistors are comprised of the first select gate lines andthe columnar semiconductors, and the second select gate line and thecolumnar semiconductors, respectively and memory cells are comprised ofthe word line and the columnar semiconductors, respectively.

The first block has a selected first cell unit including a memory cellto be programmed and a non-selected second cell unit not including amemory cell to be programmed, and programming is executed to the memorycell to be programmed by applying a program potential or a transferpotential lower than the program potential to the word lines in thefirst block after an initial potential of channels of the memory cellsin the first and second cell units is set to a plus potential. Theprogram potential and the transfer potential are not applied to the wordlines in the second block in the programming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a bird's eye view of a BiCS-NAND flash memory;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the BiCS-NAND flash memory;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a structure view of a NAND cell unit;

FIG. 6 is a bird's eye view of the NAND cell unit;

FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit view of a memory cell array;

FIG. 8 is a comparative view comparing a BiCS-NAND with atwo-dimensional NAND;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a first example of a block layout;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a second example of the block layout;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a third example of the block layout;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a fourth example of the block layout;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a layout of select gate lines on a bit lineside;

FIG. 14 is a plan view when the select gate lines on the bit line sideshown in FIG. 13 are arranged as a device;

FIG. 15 is a view showing a layout of select gate lines on a bit lineside;

FIG. 16 is a plan view when the select gate lines on the bit line sideshown in FIG. 15 are arranged as a device;

FIG. 17 is a view showing a layout of select gate lines on a bit lineside;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a driver circuit;

FIG. 19 is a view explaining program disturb of a BiCS memory;

FIG. 20 is a view explaining the program disturb of the BiCS memory;

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a first programming method;

FIG. 22 is a view showing a potential relation of the first programmingmethod;

FIG. 23 is a view showing a potential relation of the first programmingmethod;

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing a second programming method;

FIG. 25 is a view showing a potential relation of the second programmingmethod;

FIG. 26 is a view showing how an initial potential is set to a channelfrom the source line side;

FIG. 27 is a view showing a potential relation of the second programmingmethod; and

FIG. 28 is a view showing a potential relation of the second programmingmethod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory of anaspect of the present invention will be described below in detail withreference to the accompanying drawing.

1. OUTLINE

Examples of the present invention propose a programming method ofpreventing program disturb caused by a structure specific to the BiCSmemory, i.e., a variation of a threshold value of a memory cell in anon-selected cell unit in a selected block.

When a feature of the BiCS memory is expressed simply from the viewpointof a circuit, cell units are included in one block connected to one bitline. In this case, a non-selected cell unit, in which a memory cell tobe programmed is not included, exists in a selected block inprogramming.

Further, in the BiCS memory, no program potential is applied to a cellunit in a non-selected block. However, since a program potential isapplied to a non-selected cell unit in a selected block, it is necessaryto prevent program disturb (variation of threshold value) to thenon-selected cell unit.

Thus, the examples of the present invention propose to use a pluspotential capable of improving program disturb as an initial potentialof a channel of a memory cell in a non-selected cell unit in a selectedblock.

When the program potential or a transfer potential lower than theprogram potential is applied to a word line in the selected block, sincethe potential of the channel can be sufficiently increased bycapacitance coupling by using the plus potential as the initialpotential of the channel of the memory cell in the non-selected cellunit in the selected block, the program disturb can be improved.

Further, the BiCS memory has a structural feature in that a sourcediffusion layer common to blocks is formed in a semiconductor substrate.Accordingly, the plus potential can be applied from the source diffusionlayer to the channel of the memory cell in the cell unit in the selectedblock as the initial potential in the programming.

This means that the initial potential of the channel can be set from thesource diffusion layer during a period in which a bit line is set to apotential according to program data.

That is, since the bit line has a large capacity, it takes a long timeto charge and discharge the bit line. However, this process cannot beomitted. When the plus potential is applied from the source diffusionlayer to the channel of the memory cell, this operation can be performedin parallel with the operation for setting the bit line to the potentialaccording to the program data. Therefore, no time penalty newly occurs.

2. BICS MEMORY

(1) Basic Structure

First, a basic structure of a BiCS memory will be explained.

FIG. 1 shows a bird's eye view of a BiCS-NAND flash memory.

The NAND flash memory is comprised of blocks each of which acts, forexample, as a unit to be erased. Here, two blocks BK<i>, BK<i+1> areshown in the figure.

A source diffusion layer 24 formed in a semiconductor substrate isshared by, for example, all the blocks. The source diffusion layer 24 isconnected to a source line SL·M1 through a contact plug P_(SL). Further,at least three conductive layers (in the example, six-layer structure)comprised of, for example, conductive polysilicon are laminated on thesource diffusion layer 24.

The remaining five conductive layers excluding the uppermost layer areformed in a plate shape, respectively in the one block BK<i+1> as wellas the ends thereof in the X-direction are formed stepwise so that theyare in contact with the respective conductive layers. A lowermost layeracts as a select gate line SGS on the source line side, and theremaining four conductive layers excluding the lowermost and uppermostlayers act as word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, and WL<3>.

The uppermost layer is comprised of line-shaped conductive wiresextending in the X-direction. Six conductive wires, for example, aredisposed in the one block BK<i+1>. The six conductive wires, forexample, of the uppermost layer act as select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . ,SGD<5> on a bit line side.

Active layers (active areas) AA for comprising a NAND cell unit areformed columnarly in a Z-direction (direction vertical to the frontsurface of the semiconductor substrate) so that they reach the sourcediffusion layer 24 passing through the conductive layers.

The upper ends of the active layers AA are connected to bit lines BL<0>,. . . , BL<m> extending in a Y-direction. Further, the select gate lineSGS on the source line side is connected to an interconnect line SGS·M1extending in the X-direction through a contact plug P_(SGS), and theword lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, and WL<3> are connected to interconnectlines WL<0>·ML, WL<1>·M1, WL<2>·M1, and WL<3>·M1 extending in theX-direction through contact plugs P_(WL<0>), P_(WL<1>), P_(WL<2>),P_(WL<3>), respectively.

Further, select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line sideare connected to interconnect lines SGD<0>·M1, . . . , SGD<5>·M1extending in the X-direction through contact plugs P_(SGD<0>), . . . ,P_(SGD<5>), respectively.

The bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m> and the interconnect lines SGS·M1,WL<0>·M1, WL<1>·M1, WL<2>·M1, and WL<3>·M1, SGD<0>·M1, . . . , SGD<5>·M1are comprised of, for example, metal.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the BiCS-NAND flash memory of FIG. 1.

The columnar active layers AA are disposed in an array-state when viewedfrom the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprise amemory cell array 15. Although the NAND cell unit is formed in each ofthe active layers AA, it will be described later in detail.

WL drivers 11-i and 11(i+1) are connected to the word lines WL<0>,WL<1>, WL<2>, and WL<3> through the interconnect lines WL<0>·M1,WL<1>·M1, WL<2>·M1, WL<3>·M1 and drive them in write, in read, and inerase.

SGS drivers 12-i and 12-(i+1) are connected to the select gate line SGSon the source line side through the interconnect line SGS·M1. A SGDdriver 13 is connected to the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5>on the bit line side through the interconnect lines SGD<0>·M1, . . . ,SGD<5>·M1.

An SL driver 14 is connected to the source diffusion layer 24 throughthe source line SL·M1.

In this layout, the WL drivers 11-i and 11-(i+1) and the SGS drivers12-i and 12-(i+1) are disposed on one end side of the memory cell array15 in the X-direction, and the SGD driver 13 is disposed on the otherend side of the memory cell array 15 in the X-direction in considerationof an increase of the number of transistors comprising the drivers as aperipheral circuit.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2.

An N-type well region (N-well) 22 and a P-type well region (P-well) 23are formed in a P-type semiconductor substrate (P-sub) 21. The sourcediffusion layer 24 is an N-type diffusion layer and formed in the P-typewell region 23.

An N-channel FET (for example, N-channel MOSFET) 25 is formed in theP-type semiconductor substrate 21, and a P-channel FET (for example,P-channel MOSFET) 26 is formed in the N-type well region 22. Thesetransistors comprise the peripheral circuit (for example, the drivers)formed in a peripheral portion of a memory cell array.

The select gate line SGS on the source line side and the word linesWL<0>, WL<2>, and WL<3> are connected to the transistors comprising thedrivers through the interconnect line in a first metal layer M1 andthrough an interconnect line in a second metal layer M2 on the firstmetal layer M1.

To explain the word line WL<3> as an example, the word line WL<3> isconnected to the N-channel FET 25 comprising a word line driver throughthe interconnect line WL<3>·M1 in the first metal layer M1 and throughan interconnect line WL<3>·M2 in the second metal layer M2 on the firstmetal layer M1.

Here, gate electrodes of the N-channel FET 25 and the P-channel FET 26are formed simultaneously with, for example, the select gate line SGS onthe source line side.

That is, the gate electrodes of the N-channel FET 25 and the P-channelFET 26 have the same structure and the same thickness as those of theselect gate line SGS on the source line side.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

One ends (lowermost portions) of the active layers (active areas) AA areconnected to the source diffusion layer 24 passing through the selectgate line SGS on the source line side, the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>,WL<2>, and WL<3>, and the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> onthe bit line side, and the other ends (uppermost portions) thereof areconnected to a bit line BL<0>.

The active layers AA are formed columnarly in the Z-direction (directionvertical to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate), and theNAND cell unit NAND is formed in each of the active layers AA.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a structure of the NAND cell unit NAND.

A memory cell MC has a MONOS structure.

The MONOS structure means a memory cell structure having a chargeaccumulation layer comprised of an insulation material such as nitride.The charge accumulation layer has a multilayer structure (charge traplayers), and ONO (oxide/nitride/oxide) is exemplified here.

A select gate transistor ST has the same structure as that of, forexample, the memory cell MC.

However, a gate insulation film of the select gate transistor ST mayhave a structure different from that of the memory cell MC, i.e., mayhave a structure that includes no charge accumulation layer (forexample, a single silicon oxide film).

FIG. 6 shows a bird's eye view of the NAND cell unit.

One of the features of the NAND cell unit having a three dimensionalstructure resides in that each of the select gate line SGS on the sourceline side, the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, and WL<3>, and the selectgate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side has a structurefor surrounding each of the side surfaces of the columnar active layersAA.

Accordingly, even if the active layers AA are made, for example, thinnerand a larger number of the active layers AA are formed on thesemiconductor substrate to increase a capacity, a force for driving thetransistors comprising the NAND cell unit can be sufficiently secured.

FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit of the memory cell array.

Since the BiCS-NAND flash memory has a three dimensional structure, theequivalent circuit is shown in a three dimension.

A larger number of memory cells comprising a NAND column can morecontribute to an increase of the capacity. However, as the number of thememory cells comprising the NAND column is more increased, there is apossibility that the characteristics of the memory cells are dispersedin a manufacturing process from the characteristics of a BiCS structure.

When the dispersion of the characteristics is taken into consideration,the NAND column is comprised of a smaller number of the memory cells(for example, four memory cells, eight memory cells, and the like).Further, the same structure may be stacked on a structure shown by theequivalent circuit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a view showing BiCS-NAND in comparison with two-dimensionalNAND.

In the NAND flash memory having the two-dimensional structure(two-dimensional NAND), one NAND cell unit in one block is connected toone bit line BL, whereas in the BiCS-NAND, NAND cell units in one blockare connected to one bit line BL.

Accordingly, as explained below, one of the cell units in the one blockconnected to the one bit line BL is selected by the select gate linesSGD<0>, SGD<5>on the bit line side in a write operation and a readoperation.

(2) Basic Operations

Basic operations of the BiCS-NAND flash memory of FIGS. 1 to 8 will beexplained.

Since the basic write, read, and erase operations are the same as thoseof the NAND flash memory having the two-dimensional structure, mattersspecific to the BiCS-NAND flash memory will be explained here.

The concept of one block of the BiCS-NAND flash memory is different fromthat of the NAND flash memory having the two-dimensional structure.

Although the one NAND cell unit in the one block is connected to the onebit line BL in the NAND flash memory having the two-dimensionalstructure, the NAND cell units in the one block are connected to the onebit line BL in the BiCS-NAND flash memory.

For example, in the plan view of FIG. 2, six NAND cell units(corresponding to the number of the active layers AA in the figure) inthe block BK<i+1> are connected to the bit line BL<0>.

Accordingly, in the write operation and the read operation, one of thesix NAND cell units in the block BK<i+1> connected to the bit line BL<0>must be selected.

The selection is performed by select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5>on the bit line side. The select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> onthe bit line side are individually connected to six NAND cell units inthe Y-direction in the block BK<i+1>.

The erase operation is performed collectively to, for example, all thememory cells in one block like the NAND flash memory having thetwo-dimensional structure.

The BiCS-NAND flash memory can be applied to both a binary memory, whichstores binary data in one memory cell, and a multi-level memory whichstores multi-level data having a ternary or more value in one memorycell.

3. EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained.

(1) Block Layout

FIG. 9 shows a first example of a block layout of a BiCS memory.

The block layout corresponds to, for example, the BiCS-NAND flash memoryof FIG. 1 and has a feature in that a select gate line driver on a bitline side is disposed on one end of a memory cell array and a word linedriver and a select gate line driver on a source line side are disposedon the other end of the memory cell array.

A driver 33L, a level shifter 34L, and an address decoder 35L aredisposed on one end of the memory cell array 31 in the X-direction (on aleft side). The driver 33L is a driver for driving a select gate lineSGD on the bit line side and includes a transfer transistor.

A driver 33R, a level shifter 34R, and an address decoder 35R aredisposed on the other end of the memory cell array 31 in the X-direction(on a right side). The driver 33R is a driver for driving a word line WLand a select gate line SGS on the source line side and includes atransfer transistor. Further, a sense amplifier 32 is disposed on oneend of the memory cell array 31 in the Y-direction. Bit lines BL<0>, . .. , BL<m>extending in the Y-direction are disposed on the memory cellarray 31 and connected to the sense amplifier 32.

Since the block layout corresponds to the BiCS-NAND flash memory of FIG.1, the select gate lines SGD on the bit line side are disposed in blocksBK<0>, BL<1>, . . . , BK<n>, respectively. That is, since the area ofthe driver for driving the select gate lines SGD on the bit line side isincreased, a select gate line driver on the bit line side is disposed onthe one end of the memory cell array 31 in addition to the word linedriver and the select gate line driver on the source line side disposedon the other end of the memory cell array 31.

FIG. 10 shows a second example of the block layout of the BiCS memory.

A feature of the second example resides in that drivers 33 for driving aword line WL, a select gate line SGS on a source line side, and a selectgate line SGD on a bit line side are disposed together on one end of amemory cell array 31 in comparison with the first example.

The drivers 33, a level shifter 34, and an address decoder 35 aredisposed on one end of the memory cell array 31 in the X-direction (on aleft side). The drivers 33 are drivers for driving the word line WL, theselect gate line SGS on the source line side, and the select gate lineSGD on the bit line side and include transfer transistors.

Further, a sense amplifier 32 is disposed on one end of the memory cellarray 31 in the Y-direction. Bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m> extending inthe Y-direction are disposed on the memory cell array 31 and connectedto the sense amplifier 32.

Since the drivers 33 for driving the word line WL, the select gate lineSGS on the source line side and the select gate line SGD on the bit lineside are disposed together as described above, an address decoder 34 anda level shifter 35 can be also disposed together at the same position.As a result, a layout of a peripheral circuit can be made efficiently.

However, in the above block layout, when the size of the memory cellarray 31 is increased and further a memory cell is miniaturized and theword line WL, the select gate line SGS on the source line side and theselect gate line SGD on the bit line side are disposed at narrowpitches, a problem arises in that a signal is delayed by a parasiticcapacitance.

In particular, in the BiCS memory, the word line WL and the select gateline SGS on the source line side are formed in a plate shape.Accordingly, coupling noise is caused by an increase of a parasiticcapacitance between the conductive wires.

FIG. 11 shows a third example of the block layout of the BiCS memory.

A feature of the third example resides in that two memory cell arrays31L and 31R are disposed in comparison with the second example. Sincedisposition of the two memory cell arrays 31L and 31R can reduce thelengths of a word line WL, a select gate line SGS on a source line side,and a select gate line SGD on a bit line side in each memory cell array,a signal delay and coupling noise can be suppressed.

The memory cell arrays 31L and 31R are disposed in the X-direction sideby side. Drivers 33L and 33R, a level shifter 34, and an address decoder35 are interposed between the memory cell arrays 31L and 31R. Thedrivers 33L and 33R drive the word line WL, the select gate line SGS onthe source line side, and the select gate line SGD on the bit line sideand include transfer transistors.

Further, sense amplifiers 32L and 32R are disposed on one ends of thememory cell arrays 31L and 31R in the Y-direction. Bit lines BL<0>, . .. , BL<m> extending in the Y-direction are disposed on the memory cellarrays 31L and 31R and connected to the sense amplifiers 32L and 32R.

Although the level shifter 34 and the address decoder 35 are shared bythe two memory cell arrays 31L and 31R in the block layout, the driver33L is disposed in correspondence with the memory cell array 31L, andthe driver 33R is disposed in correspondence with the memory cell array31R.

A reason why the drivers 33L and 33R cannot be shared by the two memorycell arrays 31L and 31R as described above is that since the drivers arecomprised of a lot of transistors, when they are shared by the memorycell arrays 31L and 31R, a layout of wirings for connecting the memorycell arrays 31L and 31R to the drivers 33L and 33R is made complex. Thatis, when a driver is disposed on each memory cell array, a layout ofwirings is more simplified than a case that the drivers are shared bythe two memory cell arrays.

FIG. 12 shows a fourth example of the block layout of the BiCS memory.

A feature of the fourth example resides in that a driver 33 for drivinga word line WL, a select gate line SGS on a source line side, and aselect gate line SGD on a bit line side is shared by two memory cellarrays 31L and 31R in comparison with the third example.

The driver 33 can be shared by reducing the area thereof, i.e., byreducing the number of transistors comprising the driver 33. Morespecifically, this is because a layout of wirings for connecting thememory cell arrays 31L and 31R to the driver 33 is not made complex byreducing the number of the transistors. Although the number of thetransistors comprising the driver 33 is reduced by a layout of theselect gate line on the bit line side according to the presentinvention, this will be described later and only the block layout willbe explained here.

The memory cell arrays 31L and 31R are disposed in the X-direction sideby side. The driver 33, a level shifter 34, and an address decoder 35are interposed between the memory cell arrays 31L and 31R. The driver 33drives the word line WL, the select gate line SGS on the source lineside and the select gate line SGD on the bit line side and includes atransfer transistor.

Further, sense amplifiers 32L and 32R are disposed on one ends of thememory cell arrays 31L and 31R in the Y-direction. Bit lines BL<0>, . .. , BL<m> extending in the Y-direction are disposed on the memory cellarrays 31L and 31R and connected to the sense amplifiers 32L and 32R.

In the block layout, the driver 33, the level shifter 34, and theaddress decoder 35 are shared by the two memory cell arrays 31L and 31R.

Note that if the driver 33 can be shared by the two memory cell arrays31L and 31R without making a wiring layout complex, the block layout ofthe fourth example will be most preferable in the first to fourthexamples.

(2) Layout of Select Gate Line on Bit Line Side

FIG. 13 shows a first example of a layout of select gate lines on a bitline side. FIG. 14 shows a layout viewed on a plan view when the selectgate lines shown in FIG. 13 are arranged as a device.

The first example corresponds to the block layout of FIG. 9. That is, adriver 33L connected to select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on abit line side is disposed on one end (left side) of a memory cell array31 in the X-direction as well as disposed independently of a driver 33Rconnected to word lines WL<0>, . . . , WL<3> and to a select gate lineSGS on a source line side.

Each of two blocks BK<i>, BK<i+1> is comprised of at least threeconductive layers, which are insulated from each other and stacked on asemiconductor substrate, bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m>, which areinsulated from the at least three conductive layers and disposedthereon, and active layers (columnar semiconductors) AA whose lower endsare connected to the semiconductor substrate, whose upper ends areconnected to the bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m>, and which pass throughthe at least three conductive layers.

The uppermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is comprisedof the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side,the lowermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is theselect gate line SGS on the source line side, and the remainingconductive layers excluding the uppermost and lowermost layers of the atleast three conductive layers are the word lines WL<0>, . . . , WL<3>.

In the first example, although the number of the select gate linesSGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side is six and the number of theword lines WL<0>, . . . , WL<3> is four in one block, respectively, thenumbers are not limited thereto. That is, it is sufficient that thenumber of the select gate lines on the bit line side and the number ofthe word lines be at least one in the one block, respectively.

Further, the remaining conductive layers excluding the uppermost layerof the at least three conductive layers have a plate shape whose widthin the Y-direction is larger than that in the Y-direction of the selectgate lines SGD<0>, SGD<5> on the bit line side.

Select gate transistors on the bit line side are comprised of the selectgate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side and the activelayers AA, and select gate transistors on the source line side arecomprised of the select gate line SGS on the source line side and theactive layers AA. Further, memory cells are comprised of the word linesWL<0>, . . . , WL<3> and the active layers AA.

Further, the region between the memory cell array 31 and the driver 33Lis arranged as an interconnect portion 36L in which interconnect lines(conductive wires) SGD<0>·M1, . . . , SGD<5>·M1 are disposed to connectthe memory cell array 31 to the driver 33L. Likewise, the region betweenthe memory cell array 31 and the driver 33R is arranged as aninterconnect portion 36R in which interconnect lines (conductive wires)WL<0>·M1, . . . , WL<3>·M1, and SGS·M1 are disposed to connect thememory cell array 31 to the driver 33R.

The select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side in theblock BK<i> and the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bitline side in the block BK<i+1> are connected to the driver 33L afterthey are commonly connected in the relation of one to one in one end inthe X-direction of the memory cell array 31.

Specifically, an i-th (i is a natural number) select gate line on thebit line side from the block BK<i+1> side of the select gate linesSGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side in the block BK<i> iscommonly connected to an i-th select gate line on the bit line side fromthe block BK<i> side of the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> onthe bit line side in the block BK<i+1>.

Accordingly, the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bitline side have a folded layout in their entirety.

The folded layout can be easily formed by making use of, for example, aside wall masking technology for etching a ground layer using a sidewall as a mask.

FIG. 15 shows a second example of a layout of select gate lines on a bitline side. FIG. 16 shows a layout viewed on a plan view when the selectgate lines shown in FIG. 15 are arranged as a device.

The second example corresponds to the block layout of FIGS. 10 to 12.That is, a driver 33 (33L and 33R) disposed on one end (right side) of amemory cell array 31 in the X-direction are connected to word linesWL<0>, . . . , WL<3>, a select gate line SGS on a source line side, andselect gate lines SGD<0> . . . , SGD<5> on a bit line side.

Attention must be paid to the fact that the portions, to which thelayouts of FIGS. 15 and 16 are applied as they are, are limited to theportion between the memory cell array 31L and the driver 33L of FIG. 11and to the portion between the memory cell array 31L and the driver 33of FIG. 12.

The layouts, which are obtained by reversing the layouts of FIGS. 15 and16 in a right to left direction, are applied to the remaining portionsbetween the memory cell array 31 and the driver 33 of FIG. 10, betweenthe memory cell array 31R and the driver 33R of FIG. 11, and between thememory cell array 31R and the driver 33 of FIG. 12.

Each of two blocks BK<i>, BK<i+1> is comprised of at least threeconductive layers, which are insulated from each other and stacked on asemiconductor substrate, bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m>, which areinsulated from the at least three conductive layers and disposedthereon, and active layers (columnar semiconductors) AA whose lower endsare connected to the semiconductor substrate, whose upper ends areconnected to the bit lines BL<0>, . . . , BL<m>, and which pass throughthe at least three conductive layers.

The uppermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is comprisedof the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side,the lowermost layer of the at least three conductive layers is a selectgate line SGS on the source line side, and the remaining conductivelayers excluding the uppermost and lowermost layers of the at leastthree conductive layers are the word lines WL<0>, . . . , WL<3>.

In the second example, although the number of the select gate linesSGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side is six and the number of theword lines WL<0>, . . . , WL<3> is four in one block, respectively, thenumbers are not limited thereto. That is, it is sufficient that thenumber of the select gate lines on the bit line side and the number ofthe word lines be at least one in the one block, respectively.

Further, the remaining conductive layers excluding the uppermost layerof the at least three conductive layers have a plate shape whose widthin the Y-direction is larger than the width in the Y-direction of theselect gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side.

Select gate transistors on the bit line side are comprised of the selectgate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side and the activelayers AA, and select gate transistors on the source line side arecomprised of the select gate line SGS on the source line side and theactive layers AA. Further, memory cells are comprised of the word linesWL<0>, . . . , WL<3> and the active layers AA.

Further, the region between the memory cell array 31 (31L and 31R) andthe driver 33L (33L and 33R) is arranged as an interconnect portion 36in which interconnect lines (conductive wires) WL<0>·M1, . . . ,WL<3>·M1, SGS·M1, SGD<0>·M1, . . . , SGD<5>·M1 are disposed to connectthe memory cell array 31 to the driver 33.

The select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side in theblock BK<i> and the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bitline side in the block BK<i+1> are connected to the driver 33 (33L and33R) after they are commonly connected in the relation of one to one inone end in the X-direction (right side) of the memory cell array 31.

Specifically, an i-th (i is a natural number) select gate line on thebit line side from the block BK<i+1> side of the select gate linesSGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bit line side in the block BK<i> iscommonly connected to an i-th select gate line on the bit line side fromthe block BK<i> side of the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> onthe bit line side in the block BK<i+1>.

Accordingly, the select gate lines SGD<0>, . . . , SGD<5> on the bitline side have a folded layout in their entirety.

The folded layout can be easily formed by making use of, for example, aside wall masking technology for etching a ground layer using a sidewall as a mask.

FIG. 17 shows a layout in which drivers are disposed on both the sidesof a memory cell array.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the drivers 33 are disposed on both the sidesof the memory cell array 31, the size of the drivers 33 in theY-direction per, for example, one block can be increased (the number oftransistors can be increased). As a result, since the size of thedrivers 33 in the X-direction can be decreased (the number oftransistors can be decreased), the layout of interconnect lines(conductive wires) WL<0>·M1, . . . , WL<3>·M1, SGS·M1, SGD<0>·M1, . . ., SGD<5>·M1 in an interconnect portion 36 is further simplified.

Note that whether the drivers 33 (33L and 33R) are disposed on one sidesof the memory cell arrays 31 (31L and 31R) as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 orthe drivers 33 are disposed on both the sides of the memory cell array31 as shown in FIG. 17 is determined in consideration of thespecification of the BiCS memory (chip), the area efficiency of theperipheral circuit, and the like.

(3) Example of Driver Circuit

An example of a driver circuit will be explained using a BiCS-NAND flashmemory as an example.

FIG. 18 shows the example of the driver circuit.

It is assumed that each of memory cell arrays is arranged such that fourword lines are disposed in one block (four layers), eight select gatelines (one layer) are disposed on a bit line side, and one select gateline (one layer) is disposed on a source line side.

A driver 33 is comprised of a transfer transistor (high voltagetransistor) to which a high voltage is applied. Each of row decoders 35is comprised of an AND circuit and decodes an address signal ADDRESS.Level shifters 34 are connected between the driver 33 and the rowdecoders 35.

BSTON, VRDEC, RDECANDn<0>, and RDECANDn<1> are control signals forturning on and off transfer transistors, and SGD<7:0>, CGi<3:0>,CG(i+1)<3:0>, SGSi, SGS(i+1), VRDEC2, and SGDS are transfer voltages.

(4) Program Disturb and Programming Method

A. Program Disturb

First, program disturb specific to a BiCS memory will be explained usinga BiCS-NAND flash memory as an example.

FIG. 19 shows three blocks.

It is assumed that a block BK<i> is a selected block and blocks BK<i−1>and BK<i+1> are non-selected blocks.

The selected block BK<i> has a selected NAND cell unit NAND-selectincluding a memory cell to be programmed. The NAND cell unit NAND-selectis located at the intersection point where a selected bit line BL-selectand a selected select gate line SGD-select on the bit line sideintersect with each other.

In programming, a program potential Vpmg is applied to a selected wordline WL-select in the selected block BK<i>, and a transfer potentialVpass lower than the program potential Vpmg is applied to non-selectedword lines WL-unselect in the selected block BK<i>.

Since the NAND cell units in the block BK<i> share the word lines, theprogram potential Vpmg and the transfer potential Vpass are applied alsoto the non-selected NAND cell units other than the selected NAND cellunit in the block BK<i>.

When the programming is performed, the relation of the potentials in theblock BK<i> is as shown in FIG. 20.

The program potential Vpmg is applied to the selected word lineWL-select, and the transfer potential Vpass is applied to thenon-selected word lines WL-unselect. Further, Vsgd (for example, about 4V) is applied to a selected select gate line SGD-select on the bit lineside as a potential for turning on select gate transistors on the bitline side, and Vss (for example, 0 V) is applied to non-selected selectgate lines SGD-unselect on the bit line side as a potential for turningoff the select gate transistors on the bit line side. A potentialaccording to program data (“0” or “1”) is applied to the selected bitline BL-select.

At this time, program disturb is liable to occur particularly in anon-selected memory cell X1 connected to the word line WL-select towhich the program potential Vpgm is applied. A channel boost technologyis applied to improve the program disturb.

In, for example, a NAND type flash memory having a two dimensionalstructure, the channel boost technology is applied to a memory cellsubjected to write prohibition (“1”-programming) to prevent an increaseof the threshold value of the memory cell. However, in a BiCS-NAND flashmemory, the channel boost technology is applied to a non-selected NANDcell unit in a selected block as described above unlike the NAND typeflash memory having the two dimensional structure.

Thus, the channel boost technology is applied in consideration of astructure (operation) specific to the BiCS-NAND flash memory.

B. First Programming Method

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a first programming method.

First, word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, WL<3>, bit lines BL<0>, BL<1>,select gate lines SGD on a bit line side, source lines SL, and selectgate lines SGS on a source line side are set to VSS (for example, 0 V)in all the blocks.

That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the initial potentials of the channels ofNAND cell units NAND-select1, NAND-select2, and NAND-unselect in aselected block BK<i> are set to Vss.

Thereafter, the bit lines BL<0>, BL<1> are set to values according toprogram data as well as the select gate lines SGD on the bit line sidein the selected NAND cell units NAND-select1 and NAND-select2 are set toVsgd (line A). Vsgd shows a potential of, for example, about 4 V bywhich the program data can transferred. The select gate line SGD on thebit line side in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselect remainsVss (line B).

Further, when the program data is set to “0”, the bit lines are set toVss (for example, 0 V), whereas when the program data is set to “1”, thebit lines are set to Vdd (for example, plus potential).

As shown in FIG. 23, it is assumed here that “0”-programming (write) isperformed to a selected memory cell MC-select1 in the selected blockBK<i>, and “1”-programming (write prohibition) is performed to aselected memory cell MC-select2 in the selected block BK<i>.

In the NAND cell unit NAND-select1, since select gate transistors on thebit line side are turned on, the potential Vss of the bit line BL<0> istransferred to the channel of the memory cell in the NAND cell unitNAND-select1. Accordingly, when a program potential Vpgm is applied to aword line WL<2> in the selected block BK<i>, write (an increase ofthreshold value) is permitted to the selected memory cell MC-select1.

In contrast, in the NAND cell unit NAND-select2, when a transferpotential Vpass is applied to the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, andWL<3> in the selected block BK<i>, the select gate transistors on thebit line side are turned off. Accordingly, when the program potentialVpgm is applied to the word line WL<2> in the selected block BK<i>, thechannel potential of the selected memory cell MC-select2 is boosted, andthe write (an increase of threshold value) is prohibited to the selectedmemory cell MC-select2. Further, in the non-selected NAND cell unitNAND-unselect in the selected block BK<i>, the select gate transistorson the bit line side and select gate transistors on the source line sideremain turned off together. Accordingly, when the transfer potentialVpass and the program potential Vpgm are applied to the word linesWL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, WL<3> in the selected block BK<i>, the channelpotential of the memory cell in the non-selected NAND cell unitNAND-unselect is boosted. Thus, the program disturb (variation ofthreshold value) can be prevented.

The first programming method improves the program disturb to the memorycell in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselect in the selectedblock BK<i>. However, the first programming method cannot sufficientlyimprove the program disturb to a non-selected memory cell X1 to whichthe program potential Vpgm is applied.

C. Second Programming Method

A second programming method proposes a technology for improving theprogram disturb also to the non-selected memory cell X1 to which theprogram potential Vpgm is applied by sufficiently increasing the channelpotential of the memory cell in the non-selected NAND cell unitNAND-unselect.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the second programming method.

First, the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, WL<3>, the bit lines BL<0>,BL<l>, the select gate lines SGD on the bit line side, the source linesSL, and the select gate lines SGS on the source line side are set to VSS(for example, 0 V) in all the blocks.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 25, the initial potentials of thechannels of the NAND cell units NAND-select1, NAND-select2, andNAND-unselect in the selected block BK<i> are set to Vss.

Thereafter, the bit lines BL<0>, BL<1> are set to a value according tothe program data as well as all the select gate lines SGS on the sourceline side in the selected block BK<i> are set to Vsgs. Vsgs is a valueby which a precharge potential to be described later can be transferred,i.e., a potential of, for example, about 4 V. The select gate lines SGSon the source line side in the non-selected blocks BK<i−1>, BK<i+1>remain Vss.

Further, a potential VP-pre, by which a memory cell is turned onregardless of the state of the threshold value thereof is applied to allthe word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, WL<3> in the selected block BK<i>.The potential VP-pre is a potential which is the same as or nearly equalto, for example, a read potential Vread which is applied to anon-selected memory cell in read.

The plus potential, for example, Vdd is applied to a source line SL as aprecharge potential, further all the select gate lines SGD on the bitline side remain Vss, and the select gate transistors on the bit lineside remain turned off.

As a result, the initial potentials of the channels of the memory cellsin all the NAND cell units NAND-select1, NAND-select2, and NAND-unselectin the selected block BK<i> are precharged to the plus potential, forexample, Vdd as shown FIGS. 26 and 27.

The precharge to the channels are performed in parallel with theoperation for setting the bit lines BL<0>, BL<1> to the value accordingto the program data.

The bit lines are set to Vss (for example, 0 V) when the program data isset to “0” and set to Vdd (for example, plus potential) when the programdata is set to “1”.

Thereafter, the select gate lines SGD on the bit line side in theselected NAND cell units NAND-select1, NAND-select2 are set to Vsgd(line A). Vsgd is a value by which the program data can be transferred,i.e., a potential of, for example, about 4 V. The select gate line SGDon the bit line side in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselectremains Vss (line B).

As shown in FIG. 28, it is assumed here that the “0”-programming (write)is performed to the selected memory cell MC-select1 in the selectedblock BK<i>, and the “1”-programming (write prohibition) is performed tothe selected memory cell MC-select2 in the selected block BK<i>.

In the NAND cell unit NAND-select1, since select gate transistors on thebit line side are turned on, the potential Vss of the bit line BL<0> istransferred to the channel of the memory cell in the NAND cell unitNAND-select1. Accordingly, when the program potential Vpgm is applied tothe word line WL<2> in the selected block BK<i>, write (an increase ofthreshold value) is permitted to the selected memory cell MC-select1.

In contrast, in the NAND cell unit NAND-select2, when the transferpotential Vpass is applied to the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, andWL<3> in the selected block BK<i>, the select gate transistors on thebit line side are turned off. Accordingly, when the program potentialVpgm is applied to the word line WL<2> in the selected block BK<i>, thechannel potential of the selected memory cell MC-select2 is boosted, andthe write (an increase of threshold value) is prohibited to the selectedmemory cell MC-select2.

Further, in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselect in theselected block BK<i>, the select gate transistors on the bit line sideand the select gate transistors on the source line side remain turnedoff together. Accordingly, when the transfer potential Vpass and theprogram potential Vpgm are applied to the word lines WL<0>, WL<1>,WL<2>, WL<3> in the selected block BK<i>, the channel potential of thememory cell in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselect is boosted.Thus, the program disturb (variation of threshold value) can beprevented.

In the second programming method, the initial potentials of the channelsof the NAND cell units NAND-select1, NAND-select2, NAND-unselect in theselected block BK<i> are set to the plus potential as compared with thefirst programming method. As a result, since the channel potential ofthe memory cell in the non-selected NAND cell unit NAND-unselect issufficiently boosted, the program disturb can be sufficiently improvedto the non-selected memory cell X1 to which the program potential Vpgmis applied.

D. Others

In the first and second programming methods, the potential of the selectgate lines SGD on the bit line side is set to a potential larger thanVss and smaller than Vsgd, for example, about 2 V after it is set toVsgd (for example, 4 V) as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24. The value is avalue by which “0”(=Vss) can be transferred. However, the potential ofthe select gate lines SGD on the bit line side is not limited to theabove value and may remain, for example, Vsgd or may be dropped fromVsgd to Vss.

Further, in the second programming method, the potential of the selectgate lines SGS on the source line side is set to Vsgs (for example, 4 V)and then dropped to Vss again as shown in FIG. 24. However, thepotential of the select gate lines SGS on the source line side is notlimited to the above value and may be changed from Vsgs to, for example,a plus potential slightly higher than Vss (line C). In this case, theplus potential is a potential that can securely turn off the select gatetransistors on the source side.

Further, in the second programming method, the potential of the wordlines WL<0>, WL<1>, WL<2>, WL<3>, may be set from VP-pre to Vpass andfurther from Vpass to Vpgm. Further, the potential may be dropped fromVP-pre to Vss or to a value near Vss once and then may be set to Vpassand further to Vpgm as shown in FIG. 24.

(5) Conclusion

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, program disturb of a three dimensional stacked nonvolatilesemiconductor memory to which a BiCS technology is applied can beimproved.

4. APPLICATION EXAMPLE

Although the technology of the present invention is effective for aBiCS-NAND flash memory in which one cell unit is comprised of memorycells (NAND columns) connected to each other in series to realize bitcost scalability, the technology can be also applied to a threedimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory to which the BiCStechnology is applied in addition to the above BiCS-NAND flash memory.

For example, the technology of the present invention is also effectivefor a nonvolatile semiconductor memory which has exactly the same devicestructure as that of the BiCS-NAND flash memory but in which only onecentral memory cell of memory cells in one cell unit is used as a memorycell and the remaining memory cells are used as dummy cells as anexample other than the BiCS-NAND flash memory.

Further, as to a memory cell structure of the BiCS memory, it isconsidered that a so-called MONOS type, in which a charge accumulationlayer is comprised of an insulation material (for example, nitride), iseffective, but the example of the present invention is not limitedthereto and can be also applied to a floating gate type in which acharge accumulation layer is comprised of conductive polysilicon.

Further, a data value stored in one memory cell may be a binary value(two-level) or a multivalue (multi-level) of at least a ternary value(three-level).

5. ADVANTAGES

According to the present invention, program disturb of a threedimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory to which a BiCStechnology is applied can be improved.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory comprising: amemory cell array included a first and second block; a first driverdisposed adjacent to the memory cell array; wherein the first block hasa first cell unit including a memory cell to be programmed and a secondcell units without a memory cell to be programmed, and the first cellunit and the second cell units are connected to the bit line, andprogramming is executed to the memory cell to be programmed by applyinga program potential or a transfer potential lower than the programpotential to the word lines in the first block after an initialpotential of channels of the memory cells in the first and second cellunits is set to a plus potential, and wherein the program potential andthe transfer potential are not applied to the word lines in the secondblock in the programming.